Huami Magazine for Indianapolis Nov./Dec. 2021 by Terry Watson

INDIANAPOLIS

Nov./Dec. 2021 Volume 1 Issue 7

God Truly Loves Me Indianapolis - Nov./Dec. 2021

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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! Provision And My Purpose There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! A Letter the Editor A Letter From from The Editor

On particular I can open the doors to my refrigerator A any Letter from theday, Editor and see What a familiar sight. Nothing. mean, there somehopes of the if tomorrow didn’tIarrive? All ofmay yourbeplans, usualand players there, such as have eggs,acondiments, protiens, veggies, dreams wouldn’t street to park on. What if alongeverything with a few leftovers. Though never full, and it makes that you decided toit’sput off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes sense not to be. I am a single man, and I only require the happened? would beano reason to save abare rainy and dreams There wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if foodeverything essentials to survive, and ifsomeone I overfill a of lotmaking will go to day, and you could theicebox, trouble that youspare decided to putmy off until tomorrow never waste. promises. What your last happened? Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy

today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making

Again, that doesn’t make any sense. But what does is how God promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired has still made provisions for me by supplying my needs with a I’ve been that I often today? Whattold would you do? seem like I do too much. resource to store and maintain food items. He knows I must eat Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm to survive, but He leaves it up to me to select what to eat and how believer in knowing thatasGod wouldn’t on me I’ve been told that like put Iallow do anything too much. much. Gratefully, I often eatI often I goseem and don’t much room for that couldn’t sometimes wonder how would Honestly, I feelhandle. like I am doing enough and I’mlife a firm waste. ByI acknowledging theI not hands of God working for me in this be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything me I matter, I can comprehend His works in every area of my life.onme.

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haveI found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge be ifexperienced I chose to sitmy idle andof accept what itOften presented I have share hard times. I have to feltme. as I to were mefound ismore an adventure. What isanything the In worst that can opportunity happen? have that to be very boring. my opinion, if mine challenging than in the world. Though If once nothing, and ifmy I try I don’t, but instead learnI is aI do blessing thatI fail, isn’t afforded to everyone. Asomehow challenge I have complained during moments of lack, something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and adjusted, lifeadventure. continued. Whenisthere seemed as ifcan there wasin to meand is an What the worst that happen? return acquire life. no hope fornothing, tomorrow, and tomorrow still came, continued. If I do I fail, and if I try I don’t, but life instead learn I realize that I didn’t succumb during allRelinquish of this, even during most something new about myself. your pridethe and in sorrowful Asever my faith has with my walksomeone with Thesituations. best advice given toincreased me happened when return acquire life. God,told I amme learning the my reasons why. happen today. In doing so to make tomorrow I have pressed myever way given through doors with a key thatsomeone only The best advice to me happened when God has a plan for my life. That is called purpose. To fulfill myso hopeme provided. have also learned the today. difference between told to makeImy tomorrow happen In doing purpose, He has gone before me to ensure that everything I need blesses and what cana burden with Iwhat haveGod pressed my me waywith through doorslife with key thatme only is in order and available. That is called provision. I have learned as well. I compare it toalso knowing when be confident and hope provided. I have learned the to difference between that God allowed me to experience heartache and suffering as a whenlife tocan be quiet, what God blesses me with and what burdenbecause me with child just so that I would be equipped to handle and thrive through may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowingsomeone when to be confident and anguish and suffering as an adult. He has allowed me to fall, get with being arrogant. when to be quiet, because back up and fall down again so that I don’t become too comfortable someone mayand getwork it confused with success and forget what it feels like to struggle my Make you tomorrow with being arrogant. way up from wretchedness. God allowed me to lose; even when today, but most it appeared, I didn’t have anything left happen in my stable. I know He importantly make it count. Make you tomorrow allowed it to make room for something Life is but a whisper and today, but most greater. happen That’s provision. we must putmake ourselves in a importantly it count. position to hear what it Lifegrateful is but athat whisper andis I am truly God doesn’t telling us.put give me everything He ourselves has prepared we must in a for me allposition at once. to I am blessed hear what it is because Itelling can’t see us. what is going to

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Editor In Chief

Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief www.huamimagazine.com

TerryWriters L. Watson Alana Allen Editor Tonya Dixon Publisher Terry L. Watson - Deputy Terry L. Watson Writers Alana Allen Dorjae’ McClammey Writer Tonya JeuronDixon Dove Ellen Richardson Terry L. WatsonWriter Alana Allen Terry Watson Photographers Writer Dove Writer PerfectJeuron Lenz Gamal Williams Photography Shaw Photography Ayana BryantTamara Smith Group Writer Photographers Still Shots Photography Perfect Lenz Photography Who Shotya Photography Ashleigh Crawley Photographer Shaw Photography Group Jason Smith Photographer Still ShotsLayout Photography Who Toni Shaw Photography Photographer MykelShotya Media Company Linda Bennett Photographer Santana B Photography

Layout Howard Gaither Photography

Mykel Media Company mykelmedia@yahoo.com Linda Bennett (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the mykelmedia@yahoo.com Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any (336) 340-7844 portion of this publication is prohibited without

written MAGAZINE permission isfrom the publisher to HUAMI published quarterly prior by the doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any for statements by individuals featured or portion of this made publication is prohibited without advertisers. Comments concerning this publication written permission from the publisher prior to be Media submitted to the editorresponsibility by doing so. may Mykel doesn’t accept Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com for statements made Email by individuals featured or terry.editor@yahoo.com advertisers. terry.editor@yahoo.com Comments concerning this publication or toto the editor by 336-340-7844 may be submitted Mykel Media Company, LLC E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com P.O. Box 20102 terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Media Company, LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved P.O. Box 20102 2020 All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

happen, and because I have faith in Terry L. Watson On The Cover knowing that God will make it happen Photo by Shaw Photography Group Editor/Founder according to His will and purpose for Want To Advertise? Terry L. Watson On The Cover my life. God has made provisions for Photo by Shaw Photography Group Call 336-340-7844 Editor/Founder November/December 2014 Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844 each of us.

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CONTENTS

NOV./DEC. 2021

INDIANAPOLIS

The Treasure Within

Lakina Fulks

On The Cover

God Truly Loves Me Anjelah Evans

The Paperwork Guru

Dr. Marrissa R. Dick

Sarge’s Famous Pickles

Serreta Boson

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Madison Naomi Jeffers

Also Featured

Tanisha Bankston She is using story of pain and hurt to help others. Meet the author of My Pain is My Power. Grenada, MS

Marquis Hamilton Does your dog need training? Meet the face and founder of Jaycay Dog Training Services. Charlotte, NC

Indianapolis - Nov./Dec. 2021

Kaliah Ballon-Leo Depsite of how life has happened for her, this vessel has held tightly onto the hand of God. Anderson, SC HuamiMagazine.com

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Anjelah Evans God Truly Loves Me

By Ellen Richardson Photos by Anjelah Evans

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise – Psalm 98:4 (King James Version). Few inspiring women have a testimony like that of Christian songstress, actress, and amazing child of God Anjelah Evans. This Gary, Indiana native, grew up dreaming about becoming a singer or actress. In fact, if you are a child of the 1980s and remember a movie turned television show called Fame, then you will want to keep reading. Evans is a graduate of Emerson School For The Visual And Performing Arts School in Gary that focused on performance and media arts. “People likened this school to the one shown in the 80’s television show Fame,” said Evans. “Instead of taking the average school classes, I was a vocal music and theatre major who spent a lot of time in the hallway with other creative types harmonizing and dancing. I also graduated in one of the smallest high school classes that most have heard of, only 52 students, so we grew up a lot like the type of school family that you saw in this show.” During her time there, the future artist honed her skills as both a singer and an actor and even found the escape she needed from the family she was born into. “Music was an escape for me,” she said. “My mom was an uninvolved parent that was often physically and verbally abusive, so going to Emerson became my escape. It was the place that said I was good enough to become someone.” During her time at this school, Evans also found her faith in God. “Somewhere along the way I found my way to church, and this opened up a whole new realm for me because it allowed me to take what I had learned singing at Emerson and bring that into the church.”

“Somewhere along the way I found my way to church, and this opened up a whole new realm for me because it allowed me to take what I had learned singing at Emerson and bring that into the church.”

Like many other famous artists whose dreams started coming alive in the church, Evans began to see the future that she had envisioned begin to shape. “I was that little kid in church with the big voice, and everyone was trying to figure out who was singing. Before long, the voice that seemed to be the one that controlled the chaos in the world took me down a path towards God’s plan for my life,” said Evans. Along with appearing in pageants and winning titles like Miss Talented Teen, Miss Gary Indiana, and even Miss Black Ball State, Evans started finding herself on stage singing background for many well-known gospel artists throughout the country. “I have been a backup singer for many different gospel artists from Yolanda Adams, Bishop Marvin L. Sapp, Benjamin BeBe Winans, and even opened for Grammy Award-winning gospel singer CeCe Winans. “I have also traveled with gospel groups and ensembles, including Leanne Faine, who took me all over the United States, to Paris, France, and even Morocco. It was things like this that allowed me to finally find the confidence that I had been missing as a child as well as what I needed to make the next move in my career – acting.” Much like singing, acting came naturally to the woman who refers to herself as inherently comical. “Due to my silly or fun side, along with my God-given talent to sing, acting on stage became the next logical step in my career,” said Evans. This new career path would begin alongside writer, producer, and director John Ruffin, who cast Evans in one of his first on-stage plays turned made for a television movie entitled Love Me or Leave Me. “This was an amazing experience because I got to act alongside a group of all-star castmates like Elise Neal, Carl Anthony Payne II, and Clifton Powell. I just kept asking myself, how in the world did I get here?” Along with attributing her faith and the study of her chosen craft, Evans also attributes her success to “not being afraid when those huge opportunities present themselves.”

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After continuing to travel performing plays and singing backup for R&B artists like Bobby Brown and Johnny Gill, Evans made the move from Gary to Indianapolis, where her career would take another turn. “Not being near Chicago made acting a bit more challenging, but it would not take long before I fell in with a production company called KaidyDid Productions,” said Evans. “It was neat because the directors saw me in a production that I returned to my hometown to do and came up to me after the show to offer me a role in a holiday show that they were doing.” Before long, this born songstress turned actress was performing on stage with this urban-based, all-female theatrical company in shows like The Wiz and even played the part of Shug Avery in The Color Purple. “It was crazy because I auditioned for The Color Purple on a Zoom call and tried for a different part before I was asked to audition for my favorite person in this story,” she said. Following what she calls “the role of a lifetime”, Evans moved on to her current role. “I am now playing Effie in a stage production of Dreamgirls, and I am loving it!”

Despite all her success, the most important thing that this talented lady wants others to know is that everything was not easy. “I experienced a lot of highs and lows, including divorce and even homelessness, but I never gave up and even served as a worship leader at my church during this time,” said Evans. “No matter what happened, I knew that I couldn’t give up because God called me to use the voice that he gave me to bring healing and encouragement to others, and that is what continued to push for the dream that he placed inside of me. Besides, he knew that I always wanted to have a testimony, and I knew that I couldn’t have that without the test that comes with it.” Along with using her talents to perform and hoping to someday achieve on Broadway, Evans is also doing what she can to help her community through her home church of Kingdom Apostolic Ministries, led by Bishop Lambert Gates, as well as being a worship leader at Living Water Fellowship Church, led by Pastor Kim Outlaw, and is even a national worship leader for the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith International, Inc. Evans is also going back to school to obtain a master’s degree in Human Services to start her own ministry someday. It is evident that he genuinely loves her and all that she does!

Anjelah Evans Ministries www.anjelahevans.com 317-956-7614 11

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Stay The Course By Terry L. Watson Photos by Kaliah Ballon-Leo

Her goal is to maintain a humble spirit and take on all the characteristics of God’s personality and heart. She also aims to dominate the kingdom of God. That is who Kaliah Ballon-Leo is. The current Anderson, SC resident was actually born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialization in Family and Community Services; a tool Kaliah utilizes as a Program Director for a non-profit organization, New Foundations Home For Children/Empowering Families. Kaliah is also the owner of Stay the Course LLC, a business platform that represents her entire life story. “Stay the Course LLC is not just a brand but a movement,” says Kaliah. “A couple of years ago, God gave me the tagline, (Trust the Process, Stay the Course, Be Great & Soar). And she has done just that. Kaliah isn’t your typical worship leader. She loves dope kicks. She has 22 tattoos. The sides of her hair are shaved. She is totally out of the box. “At 42 years of age, I embrace all of me and who I am still becoming. As a worship leader, I enjoy seeing lives changed through encounters with God. I love being in the presence of God and being able to tap into so many intimate and profound places of Christ. When someone encounters the heart of Jesus, they are forever changed,” she says.

Kaliah was raised in a very strict religious atmosphere. That upbringing has played a huge role in developing her into the woman she is. “I realized at a young age that my true calling was to spread the gospel of Jesus through song. As a child of God, Worship Leader, Psalmist, Levite, and Intercessor, my goal is to allow God to get the glory in all that I do. My focus is one audience; Christ. I am solely committed to the role God has placed on my life and will continue to chase after the heart of Christ without hidden agendas or motives,” Kaliah confesses. “The late Bishop Tony Miller said these words that will forever stick with me, “Worship is where you become Undone.” “I lost my dad, Allen Robinson at the age of three and my mother, Celeste Ballon, at 11. I was raised by my grandmother, the late Agnes Ballon. My grandmother was my rock and strong tower. She raised me in a Christian home, and I will forever carry what was instilled in me through her teachings. She lived and taught by example and instilled morals and values within me. She showed me what a life lived with Christ looked like. My grandmother taught me how to fight, tarry, and pray. I knew that prayer must always be my foundation. Now that I am older, I appreciate her strict structure and discipline. She loved me, pushed me, motivated me, and encouraged me. She was my biggest cheerleader and made it known that I was her baby,” she shares. The adage “No weapon formed against me shall prosper” can fittingly be applied to Kaliah’s life. Losing her parents at such a young age has empowered Kaliah in her role as a wife and mother. “Grief as a child and then as an adult is totally different. Both of my parents suffered from years of drug addiction and depression, which brought on other illnesses. Both were HIV positive when they passed, but that was not the cause of their deaths. The drug addiction was the root of it all, and God called them both home. I know that my mother gave her heart to Christ weeks before her passing and that gives me peace in knowing I will one day see her again. In June 2020, I lost my brother Keith Ballon, the only sibling birthed by my mother. I miss him deeply,” she says. Grief, depression, illness, divorce, molestation, and almost losing her life to gun violence; So many weapons have formed, but none have prospered in Kaliah’s life! Kaliah finds inspiration in the life of others, mainly those who have gone through similar circumstances such as hers. “To see my 16-year-old son who the doctors told me I would not have, be born again, and live out God’s promises and singing for Jesus inspires me. Having my loved ones around me inspires me to keep going and stay the course. To see so many lives saved, healed, and delivered through my gift inspires me. My testimony inspires me because, without the crushing and the pressing, there would be no oil,” she says. Moving forward, Kaliah plans to expand her brand “Stay the Course” by adding athletic apparel. There are plans to produce a gospel album and EP soon. Most importantly, Kaliah hopes to continue to make God smile and stay in His perfect will.

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To learn more about Kaliah, please visit her website.

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Sarge’s Famous Pickles By DorJea’ McClammey Photos by Serreta Boson

Serreta Boson is the owner of Sarge’s Famous Pickles, a company based in Little Rock, AR founded on faith and a lot of hustle. Led by Serreta, she has taken a gourmet pickle recipe, a gift from her father, and turned it into a full-time business. Now, the word is out about how good her pickles really are. “I named the business Sarge’s Famous Pickles to honor my father. He is a Vietnam veteran, and all his buddies called him Sarge, so of course, the name just stuck,” she says. “We are a company built on faith, family, and community. Our faith is what holds us together and allows us to move in excellence. We always use products from our community and strive to represent our home state of Arkansas well.” Born in Benton, AR, the hustler idealogy was embedded into her mind at an early age. Along with her siblings, she was taught how to make a business out of anything, from lemonade stands to fireworks, all from the steps of their front porch. She could probably sell you a pair of dirty socks; she states that she was just that good. Serreta recalls the period of time when her family was the only ones in her neighborhood that owned a VCR (video cassette recorder). They would charge kids around the neighborhood to watch movies on it; Fifty cents to watch a movie, plus twenty-five cents for drinks and snacks. Those were early indications that entrepreneurship would be a part of Serreta’s future.

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“I just kept pushing, and I’m still pushing because I know God is going to do something great.”

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Serreta’s journey has seen its share of ups and downs. Early on in life, she was diagnosed with epilepsy, and by 2010 the seizures associated with the disease started to worsen. Her doctors found a tumor on her brain, but it wasn’t cancerous. “That was a horrifying moment for me, but with the good news, I said got out of here. I had stuff to do, kids to raise, and not time to be sick,” she says. Yet, by 2016 the seizures had become uncontrollable, and she was required to have brain surgery to alleviate the problem. Serreta was then told she could no longer work because of the attacks. This was a significant setback for someone raised to hustle, but Serreta still held onto her faith. Serreta’s father, Sylvester Boson, who is the original chef behind these amazing pickles, told his daughter to come home for a while. During her stay, he would teach her how to make his famous pickles. She always told him how he should make it a business, but he never got around to it. Things would change once she got her hands on his recipe. Once it was perfected, Serreta took the initiative of turning her father’s delicious pickles into a business. By December of 2018, Sarge’s Famous pickles came to life. By January 1st, 2019, everything skyrocketed for Serreta and Sarge’s Famous Pickles. This is all happened in Nashville. She got her business license, her trademark, and went straight to work. She went to every barbeque, chicken, and fish restaurant, trying to sell her pickles. There were a few no’s along the way, and she became a little discouraged but still knew they were going to be a great success. Things changed when she made a stop in a bookstore. There, the owner tried one and became so amazed by her pickles, that they bought a case from her, right on the spot, and began selling them in their store. That experience gave Serreta the fire she needed to keep going. From there, she would sell out at restaurants all over Arkansas, and she also got the opportunity to go to a couple of small businesses pop-ups. She was also invited to Williams Sonoma, and became amazed at how the customers were buying them by the cases. Sarge’s Famous Pickles had arrived.

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Serreta has accomplished so much in her life, from being saved, becoming an ordained minister, and becoming a mother to her two blessings, Skott and Honnye. Sarge’s Famous Pickles has also afforded her great opportunities, allowing her to even buy a house. “I just kept pushing, and I’m still pushing because I know God is going to do something great,” she states. More than anything, Serreta wants to leave a legacy behind for her children and create generational wealth. The main thing she loves most about her company is the family aspect of it all. “I love when it’s just my father and me spending time together, making pickles, sharing recipes, and trying new flavors. I love having the opportunity to let my creativity flow. I also enjoy being my own boss. It ensures I don’t overwork myself and offers adequate time for rest. I tell everyone, once you get a jar of my pickles, you’re family.” Sarge’s Famous Pickles has also faced it share of challenges. Once Covid Hit, Serreta moved back home to Little Rock for good but kept her business going as usual. While things may have slowed a little, it also allowed her the opportunity to spend more time with dad, as he would begin to accompany her while she sold her pickles. “He was amazed at how fast I could get rid of everything. He must have forgotten about the hustle spirit he put into me as a child,” she says. For now, Serreta’s main focus, other than making sure those pickles stay delicious, is to work towards her goal of owning her very own farm. “I want to watch pickles grow from a seed to the storehouse,” she shares. As for the future of Sarge’s Famous Pickles, Serreta didn’t want to share all her secrets but just know this pickle lady has some big things coming. Expect more products, more flavors, and who knows, maybe you’ll see a winery come to life. “There’s no limit to us. This is our season. The bible says so.” You can learn more about Serreta Boson and Sarge’s Famous Pickles by visiting their website.

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Madison Naomi Jeffers The daughter of Moriah Natasha Jeffers

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To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com

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The Treasure Within By Terry L. Watson Photos by Lakina Fulks She is regarded as one of Detroit’s most successful women. Lakina Fulks believes in empowering people to reach their highest self. The Detroit, MI native is a wife and mother of six children. She is also a serial entrepreneur, business and life coach, motivational speaker, and the owner and founder of The Treasure Within. The Treasure Within is a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering women to be leaders and innovators for their community. It includes a mentor program for young girls ages 8-19 and a transitional home for women aging out of the foster care system. Lakina graduated with a Bachelor in Business and Masters in Social Justice. As if her plate wasn’t already full, she has found time to serve as a Realtor, Author, Motivational Speaker, and talk show host. As an author, Lakina published works include “Why...a Young Girl’s Search for the Truth”, her very first book. She has co-authored “Dreamer on the Rise”, with a foreword by Les Brown, and “Gathering the Fragments, So Nothing will be Lost”, an anthology and Amazon bestseller. “ It took me some time to write my first book because it was about my personal life and the abuse I suffered as a child and young adult. Although the names in the book were changed to protect family members, it was rejected by some familiar and personally attached to them. I wrote the book to release myself from the secrets and trauma of my past, but I also wanted to help women who may have suffered sexual and domestic abuse like me,” she says. “It helped me to be a truthful, unapologetic author. Subject matters such as abuse and loss of life are not easy to read, but if I can help another person heal from trauma or hurt, I believe it is necessary for me to write honestly. My goal is to empower others to find their highest self.”. Continued on the next page

“I believe that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my faith. It is what pushes me to explore every talent and gift inside me. My faith will not allow for me to give up.”

Being a business requires for optimum time management. Like most entrepreneurs, Lakina has faced such challenges. “Making sure you set aside time for your family and yourself is important. When your stress is not handled correctly, you can become sick or overwhelmed. Therefore, I need to monitor my own stress to ensure I do not have a meltdown,” she shares. Family is essential for Lakina. They inspire her to be the best version of herself, and she wants the be the best for them. “I want my daughters to know a woman can do anything she puts her mind to. Success is not age-specific. I want to empower my children to follow their own creativity and unique abilities and know they don’t have to wait to start a business and create wealth for themselves. They can do it now,” she says. For the most part, Lakina credits her success to those who have positively impacted her life. “My grandmother was one of my greatest influences. Although she has passed away, she will always remain the voice that tells me to be strong. I have learned through the years that even the strongest women need to rest sometimes. My grandmother was the seed of resilience that was planted into my life early, and having that helps me in business and my personal life,” she says. Lakina is also inspired by her faith in God. She shares how she desires to empower others as God has empowered her. “I believe that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my faith. It is what pushes me to explore every talent and gift inside me. My faith will not allow for me to give up!” While everything has been perfect for Lakina, there isn’t much that she would change about her journey. “Both the good or bad experiences have helped me. If I could change something in the world, I would change how we perceive each other’s differences. Learning to accept each other’s differences would bring more harmony to our communities and allow us to see the uniqueness of the human race. Our unique differences bring broader perspectives, open minds, and peaceful spaces to communicate,” she says. In the future, Lakina plans to continue to create more housing for young women who have aged out of the foster system through her non-profit organization, The Treasure Within. She has a new book project underway called “Believe”. In her personal life, Lakina hopes to continue to create space for her husband and children, as she keeps the needs of her family at the top of her list of priorities. “Keeping harmony in my home helps me to stay structured and creative,” she shares. h

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Indianapolis - Nov./Dec. 2021

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My Pain Is My Power By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Tanisha Bankston According to Merriam Webster and its definition of abuse, it can be characterized as a corrupt action or custom, improper, excessive use of treatment, or physical maltreatment. It may also use language that condemns or vilifies, usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily. Although an abuser can possess these traits, the victim does not have to carry their definition but become the opposite—the victor. By Merrian Webster’s definition, it means one that defeats an enemy or opponent, i.e. a winner. Another synonym for a victor, Tanisha Bankston. Tanisha’s story is one of hurt and triumph. A native of Grenada, MS, and current resident of Oxford, MS, she is a survivor of rape and even incest. Her anguish also stems from domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, and trauma from an early age. From age 14 to 23, she was abused. When she tried to escape, she was beaten and left to die, along with a child to care for. Even after finding her strength and equilibrium of being a mother and survivor, she felt silenced for 27 years by the events that ruined her life. “I overcame my hurt by breaking my silence, and I realized I needed to rediscover my voice that had been trapped,” Tanisha shares. Once I found my voice, I then decided to help other victims find theirs and speak life over the situation that could kill them.” Tanisha is the founder of My Pain is My Power. Her business cater to victims of abuse while shepherding them into recovery. “I started this because I had to break my silence. I wanted to help others like myself. I knew that it was time to move forward. That’s why I wrote my book. I chose to be a voice and advocate for others and take the energy back from all the trauma that I’ve gone through,” she shares. Tanisha is the author of her self-titled book, “My Pain is My Power”. Published May 21, 2021, her book shares her story and sheds light on victims of abuse. She gives an inside look at her life and how long and hard the process of the recovery system can be. Tanish uses pieces of her ordeal and the relief methods she relied upon to serve as resources and tools for others. “Talking to other people and listening gives women the power to be heard and understood. They can talk to me, and I can help them because I can relate to what has happened to them. Being a survivor helps me understand other survivors.” she shares.

One of the first steps of assistance she offers is getting victims to crisis homes and shelters. There, victims can detach from their trauma in the presence of trained individuals who will direct them to further assistance. The support system for victims frequently involves other victims, and Tanisha is familiar with both roles. She also advocates and speaks at women’s conferences and radio stations around the state of Mississippi and nationally. She serves her audience exclusively online through her website and Facebook, which will soon be Metra, seminars. Additionally, she sells merchandise such as t-shirts, pens, and buttons, items that assist in encouraging the survivors to remember how important they are and how they made it to the light. Along with her book, Tanisha has spoken on various radio talk shows like Miss Texas Show, the Reality Series, CPS the Horror Story, Empowered Voice, a Mental Health Break, and started the first session to speak out about abuse in her area. She also holds conference calls and domestic violence meetings with survivors. The number one way to ensure better treatment and acknowledgment is to bring awareness to what is growing to be an epidemic in America.

A wave-breaking Netflix show called Maid brings to light abuse in the world of women. Tanisha agrees the production informs the viewer that abuse isn’t just physical, it can be mental, emotional, and spiritual. “Anything that could harm and change a person from who they are is abuse. It is imperative to share the different types of abuse.” Moreover, she hopes that her business provides that light of knowing that abuse is everywhere and they are here to help. Recently, her business has received the award for Chamber and Commerce of being a new business. She hopes you expand it to have different agencies that advocate for women victims and survivors. She will shortly launch her podcast that will give advice and provide shelter for abused women. Most importantly, Tanisha hasn’t shielded anything from her children. She wants them to grow up normal and, if at all possible, help her cause, as well. “In the future, I hope that they never have to go through the things I’ve gone through. I know they can have a successful life and business and move on with their life as well.” Despite every battle she has faced, Tanisha doesn’t look at her life as a struggle, but instead as a mission to help others conquer. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I don’t have any regrets.” In the future, Tanisha plans to continue to use her platform to serve and help others in need. “I’m looking forward to raising awareness and advocating, and volunteering in my community to bring an end to domestic violence,” she says. For information on Tanisha Bankston’s story or to join her cause, please visit her website. h

www. mypainismypower.com

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Indianapolis - Nov./Dec. 2021

JayCay Dog Training By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Todd Youngblood When you think of ‘man’s best friend, a dog comes to mind. Dogs are considered to be reliable and protective for any situation their owner may present. However, how good is your best friend when they do not want to obey or showcase any loyalty? It sounds pretty human to me! Marquis Hamilton, the founder of JayCay Dog Training Services, coaches your pet to become obedient and reinstate their devotion to you. JayCay Dog Training Services is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His business provides instructional sessions and training camps that guides owners to obtain control over their unruly animals. Apart from obedient training, he also sells collars and other accessories. The collars can be detachable and hooked on to other objects and other animal luxuries, all available for purchase. Altogether, Marquis Hamilton is dedicated to the complete transformation of his client’s dog from top to bottom. “My company takes pride in building dogs for companions and more. After the training, we stabilize anything the dog may need or concern, and keep the training instilled in the dog. This is all done personally by JayCay,” he says. Marquis says he built his business on a foundation of order and understanding. As a dog trainer, he can attest that in most ways, what leads to a dog’s disobedience is the ability not to be understood. The aggression from an owner can be transferred into a dog which can be interpreted to the dog acting out. “Dogs are very much misunderstood in so many ways. The training of a dog takes breaking down elements and managing your time with an animal of multiple personalities, and building their morale. With me being a dog trainer, it came with me seeing someone who can train a dog and who can have control on their life,” Marquis explains. Marquis finds joy in teaching the dogs how to meet and cater to the needs of his client’s family. Training a dog to walk and how to treat other guests gives the owners a new sense of control. It also provided a sense of ease for dog parents, which helps to ensure they do not have to give up on the ones they love. In light of this, Marquis named his company after his sons to connect what he does back to his reason for starting his business. Continued on the next page

JayCay Dog Training Services has seen much success in a small amount of time. Although the family dynamic of the company is one reason it maintains its high reviews, it is Marquis’ consistent persistence that drives JayCay even more. “The company helps prove to me that I can do more than what people think I am capable,” he says. Marquis launched JayCay Dog Training Services in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic. Marquis was in between jobs and was searching for his niche. During this transition, he focused on himself and what mattered most to him rather than what others thought. “Now, I am at peace. As a man, I can understand the importance of my past and finally move forward and give back and help others,” he says. Marquis is living proof that a change in who you are can push you to excel in life and become who you are meant to be. “Other people’s opinions can’t hold you down from a destiny that you can only awaken.” Marquis acknowledges that being an African American entrepreneur is essential. He acknowledges that only one percent is growing their business in his community. “It is more than just being a man of color hustling to find success. We must spread our influence and wealth amongst our community. I’m finally in a place that a nine to five could not offer me. I want to prove that its OK to go against the norm, and it may be the way to success and stability in life for you,” he says. Marquis says it is important to have a sound support system around you. He admits that his success does not happen without God, his mom, as well as life coach and spiritual mentor, Germany Inke. Moving forward, Marquis has created a leash for other dog owners that will allow them to have more connection and self-control with their pets. He also hopes to expand his talents all through North Carolina. “We care about what we do, and I sincerely believe we can be the prototype for all training,” he says proudly. Asserting repetition and caring about the clients are the raving reviews from all the people he has worked with. He wants to extend his talents to whoever needs them. Giving is something he always wants to ensure. “If someone just asks or needs, I just give back,” he says. To learn more about JayCay Dog Training Services, please visit their website. h

www.jaycaydogservices.com 980-439-1934 32

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Indianapolis - Nov./Dec. 2021

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Indianapolis - Nov./Dec. 2021

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Huami Magazine for Indianapolis Nov./Dec. 2021

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